Obama to nominate Hagel as defense chief

By Michael Schwirtz

The selection of Chuck Hagel, a former GOP senator, to be the next defense secretary has already encountered opposition from both parties.

In Colo. city, again the horror of multiple slayings

By P. Solomon Banda

Four people, including the apparent gunman, were killed in Aurora, some four miles from where 12 people were shot to death in a movie theater last July.

On Monday prosecutors will outline their case against James Holmes, the first official public disclosure of evidence.

In rare speech, defiant Assad justifies crackdown

By Anne Bernard

Syrian President Bashar Assad, sounding confident and, to critics, out of touch with his people’s grievances, said he refuses to talk with rebels.

The Palestinian self-rule government is in ‘‘extreme jeopardy’’ because of an unprecedented financial crisis.

Venezuela looks for missing plane with Missoni CEO

The search for a missing plane carrying fashion executive Vittorio Missoni and five others has entered its third day.

JULIETTE KAYYEM

The real plight of the orphan-hostages

By Juliette Kayyem

Now that the initial gasp of horror following Vladimir Putin’s adoption ban is over, it is painfully clear that this is a simple hostage story.

JOHN E. SUNUNU

Fiscal cliff battle ends with a whimper

By John E. Sununu

Legislators took the easy path by avoiding the immediate consequences of the cliff, and that’s precisely why we’re in trouble.

JAMES CARROLL

Football concussions: The problem lies at the heart of the sport

By James Carroll

Despite the focus on concussions, American football is sublimated combat, and its regulated violence is key to the sport’s appeal.

How the NHL ended lockout to save its season

By Fluto Shinzawa

In less than a week, the NHL likely would have called off the 2012-13 season. That deadline proved too dangerous to approach.

G Cover

Fighting the flu: the limits of modern medicine

By Deborah Kotz

Government health officials predicted a harsher and earlier flu season this year, and so far that seems to be the case.

Synagogue devotes 3 years to reengage on Israel

By Lisa Wangsness

With classes, lectures, congregation-wide discussions, and even a clergy-led trip to Israel, Temple Israel is hoping to improve the dialogue within its congregation.

Ariad to add HQ, jobs in Kendall Square

By Casey Ross and Robert Weisman

Ariad Pharmaceuticals will build a new corporate headquarters and laboratory complex in Cambridge.

New businesses, stores alter Financial District

By Casey Ross

Technology, communications, and health care companies — as well as new bars and cafes — are changing the vibe of Boston’s Financial District.

Microsoft-less fair in Las Vegas looks to mobile

By Hiawatha Bray

Perhaps the biggest thing at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show is the giant hole where Microsoft used to be.

Philip Perlmutter, 87; worked to improve Jewish-Catholic relations

By Bryan Marquard

Though not politically correct, Mr. Perlmutter was an integral part of Mass. interfaith relations, and was recognized by Pope John Paul II.

William Rees-Mogg, former editor of the Times of London

By John F. Burns

Mr. Rees-Mogg, 84, was one of Britain’s most respected, if mercurial, conservative voices.

Michael Cronan, 61, named TiVo and Kindle

By Richard Goldstein

Mr. Cronan was a San Francisco-based graphic designer and marketing executive who placed his stamp on popular culture.

How the NHL ended lockout to save its season

By Fluto Shinzawa

In less than a week, the NHL likely would have called off the 2012-13 season. That deadline proved too dangerous to approach.

Patriots’ bye no guarantee of Super berth

By Michael Whitmer

Chances are quite good, history has shown, that at least one of the home teams coming off a bye will lose next weekend.

On hockey

Will fans and sponsors come back to the NHL?

By Kevin Paul Dupont

Now that the lockout is over, the healing begins for the NHL, with fans and sponsors to determine the pace of recovery.

G Cover

Fighting the flu: the limits of modern medicine

By Deborah Kotz

Government health officials predicted a harsher and earlier flu season this year, and so far that seems to be the case.

Daily Dose

You can’t bank on living longer if you’re overweight

By Deborah Kotz

A new study concluded that being overweight is associated with a lower death risk, but gaining weight is a slippery slope.

Daily Dose

Same medication, but different pills

By Deborah Kotz

A new study suggests that when patients are switched to generics with a different color or shape, they’re more likely to stop taking the drug.